It’s nice to meet you! I’m Emily.

  • Children & Adolescents

  • Mood and Emotion Regulation

  • Self Image and Esteem

  • Senior Adults

Professional Philosophy

Sometimes, words just are not enough to describe what we feel and think, no matter our age! The use of creative arts, along with talk therapy and psychotherapy techniques, aids to create a safe space to engage in self-expression, explore unresolved conflict, and gain a greater understanding of identity and autonomy. The creative arts provide an additional, and often less intimidating, means of communication, and do not require “Picasso-level” artistic ability. Visual arts, creative writing, and play are viewed as an extension of oneself, which allows for the fostering of introspection, emotional and behavioral development, memory recall, and a sense of fulfillment.

“If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.”

― Edward Hopper

Personal Background

A career in mental health is something that became more prevalent for me over time. At a young age, all I knew for certain about myself was that I had a passion for making art. Later on, I developed a deeper understanding of another side of the arts that really spoke to me personally. Using the art process as a means of addressing and exploring mental health was an idea that inspired me to pursue a path that could make a positive impact. We are all inherently creative, and we have all made some form of art at one point in our lives. The question that began to ring true for me is, why do most of us stop creating? Creative arts therapy challenges us to gain the courage to let go of inhibitions and tap into the creative intuition we all have inside of us.

AREAS OF FOCUS

All of us here at START address the mental health areas of stress, trauma, and anxiety in our practice. We apply these three topics to unique, specific challenges that our clients are going through. I also offer specialized areas in the following areas:

Children & Adolescents

Art, music, and play integrated within therapy sessions aid to provide a more welcoming and less intimidating space for communication and expression. CBT and DBT techniques are also utilized when necessary for positive mindset reframing and healthy behavioral development.

Geriatric

The integration of art, music, poetry, and writing within therapy sessions can aid in memory recall and strengthen autonomy. Adaptive tools within art therapy are often provided for purposes of autonomy and independence.